Our mission is to strengthen our community by developing healthy, resilient individuals through animal-assisted education, with special attention to at-risk youth.

Our work is based on the knowledge that animals can reach a place in the human heart that other approaches may not. Many of those we serve are struggling with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger & behavior management, and other challenges affecting their daily lives.

Equine therapy has been shown to be an effective intervention for both youth and adults struggling with mental, behavioral, and emotional health issues. Our team includes mental health therapists, certified equine specialists, and an amazing herd of therapy horses, who are the real teachers.

Participants and their families can be confident that PATH Intl. Member Centers and Professionals deliver safe, effective equine-assisted activities and therapy programs.

Why Horses

In 1999, Sonja Wingard founded Animals as Natural Therapy on her farm in Bellingham, WA, to better serve youth in crisis. Hear from Executive Director Sonja Wingard about ANT’s beginning, our herd of therapy horses, and why they make such incredible teachers.

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TESTIMONIALS

"Between the Fall and Winter session, Jordan* tested an entire grade level higher in both reading and math. This was over a 3 month period. Her anger, frustration, and distrust of adults has decreased significantly. She is more centered, in control of her body, breaths and thinks before acting. She is really at a turning point." ~ Parent